12 winning projects highlight spaces for relaxation, resort-inspired features and safety integrated into backyard design
Latham Group, Inc. [NASDAQ: SWIM], the largest designer, manufacturer and marketer of in-ground residential swimming pools in North America, Australia and New Zealand, today announced the winners of its 2026 Photo Contest, spotlighting 12 standout backyard pools built by Latham dealers across the United States and Canada this year.
Open to Latham’s North American network of experienced installers, submissions were collected across four categories – fiberglass pools, vinyl liner pools, Coverstar automatic safety covers and winter safety covers. The contest drew entries from builders eager to showcase their finest work.
“This year’s Latham Photo Contest winners show what’s possible when a homeowner’s vision comes together with thoughtful design, quality products and the expertise of a trusted dealer,” said Sean Gadd, President and CEO of Latham. “From spaces designed for quiet relaxation to backyards built for entertaining, these projects reflect the many ways a pool can transform how families enjoy their homes.”
2026 Latham Photo Contest Winners
This year’s 12 winning projects showcase the range of possibilities available through Latham’s portfolio of pools, liners and covers. The winners are:
Fiberglass Pools
- First Place: Remington LeisureScapes – Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada
- Second Place: Boyer Mountain Pool – Cashmere, Washington
- Third Place: Brooks Malone – Greeneville, Tennessee
Vinyl Liner Pools
- First Place: Heatwave Pools – Monroe, Ohio
- Second Place: Quality Pool Construction – Lancaster, South Carolina (Lead Photo)
- Third Place: Swim King Pools – Rocky Point, New York
Coverstar Automatic Safety Covers
- First Place: Buster Crabbe Pools – Nixa, Missouri
- Second Place: Concord Pools & Spas – Latham, New York
- Third Place: Nate’s Pools & Service – Jesup, Georgia
Winter Safety Covers
- First Place: Swim Sports Inc – Hanover, Massachusetts
- Second Place: Washington Pools and Spas – Washington, Missouri
- Third Place: Swim Sports Inc – Hanover, Massachusetts
Pool and Backyard Design Trends on Display
Today’s backyard design trends focus on bringing swimming, relaxation and entertaining together in one outdoor setting. This year’s winning projects reflect this approach, with features that give homeowners more ways to enjoy their pools and the spaces around them:
- Spaces to Lounge and Unwind. Tanning ledges, in-water lounge chairs and pool-spa combos are being integrated to expand the pool’s role beyond swimming. These features appear throughout the winning projects, creating inviting places to relax, cool off and spend time together.
- Seamless Design from the Inside Out. Designers are using pool shapes, paving patterns and finishes to work together to connect the backyard to the home. Several winning projects illustrate this approach through clean lines, coordinated materials and defined areas for gathering.
- Resort-Inspired Living. Waterfalls, slides and spacious patios bring elements of a vacation retreat home. The winning backyards show different ways to create that experience, from dramatic rock features to comfortable poolside lounging areas.
- Safety Built into the Design. Pool covers are a practical part of backyard planning. The winning automatic and winter safety cover installations show how these features can fit a range of pool shapes and outdoor settings.
A Reflection of Latham’s Dealer Network
Winners enjoy recognition by having their projects featured in Latham’s annual 2027 calendar, national marketing campaigns and of course industry bragging rights.
“These winning projects are a direct reflection of the talent and craftsmanship within our dealer network,” said Gadd. “Every entry we received reinforces why we do what we do: giving dealers the products and support they need to bring their customers’ backyard visions to life.”
Homeowners interested in exploring a backyard transformation of their own can find a local Latham dealer here.
